Job Specification Details

The Economic Services Program Manager provides administration, strategic planning, and coordination for one or more of the 15 benefit programs administered by the Economic Services Division. The Program Manager implements programs and program updates while providing oversight to ensure federal and state requirements are met. 

The role may involve extensive interactions with many community providers including community action agencies, housing agencies, refugee agencies, consumers, advocates, federal officials and others. 

Duties are performed with significant independence under the general direction of the Program Director. All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

The Economic Services Program Manager works on system-wide program improvements to ensure benefit programs are being administered accurately and timely. The role may include developing and monitoring process improvement tools and strategies within the benefits program, which includes establishing benchmarks and outcome measures and utilizing assessment tools to measure effectiveness of process improvement.

The Program Manager will help develop training curriculum in conjunction with the ESD training Unit and work closely, as needed, with other central office program teams. 

The Program Manager will make recommendations on statewide program policy, current and new grants and contracts, development of state plans and program objectives, and will assist in evaluating current and proposed legislation as to program effectiveness. Performs related duties as required.

Duties are performed in a variety of office and field settings. Private means of transportation must be available for necessary travel. Attendance at a variety of meetings is required, involving state, federal, private agencies or interest and advocacy groups, sometimes during weekends and evening hours. Tact and perseverance are necessary incumbent skills.

Considerable knowledge of the concepts and philosophy of public assistance programs

Considerable knowledge of field service delivery systems typically associated with human services assistance programs

Considerable knowledge of the considerations and factors which typically are a part of eligibility requirements for public assistance programs

Considerable knowledge of the type of client service programs typically included under the broad human services title

Considerable knowledge of administrative principles and practices

Considerable knowledge of supervisory principles and techniques

Working knowledge of regulatory and funding relationships which typically exist between the federal and state or local levels in public assistance programs

Awareness of information systems as regards administration of public assistance programs

Ability to correctly interpret and apply regulations of considerable complexity

Ability to conceptualize a program need and to prepare feasible alternatives to meet such needs

Ability to work independently, take initiative, and follow through on required tasks

Ability to achieve positive consensus among groups with divergent opinions as to program worth and/or action alternatives.

Ability to establish and maintain effective, respectful, and collaborative working relationships

Three (3) years as a Benefits Program Specialist, Reach Up Case Manager or other similar related job experience in ESD.

Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.